Academics
Middle School
The Magnitude of Middle School
In 6th-8th grade, students are developing habits of mind and solidifying their attitudes toward school. Given that crucial reality, our Middle School fosters our students' love of learning as they build strong academic and social skills. Lessons are lively and engaging, built around critical thinking and discussion, collaboration with peers, and projects that inspire active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.The city is our classroom – and students learn through frequent field trips and guided experiences in the world outside Burke. Our 1:1 tablet program enhances learning, researching, and presenting and helps teach 21st century skills, such as digital and media literacy, design thinking, and global connectivity.
Middle School Program by Grade
List of 2 items.
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High School Curriciulum
Burke offers both a thoughtful, measured transition from 8th to 9th grade and exciting, new experiences when students begin high school. -
Phones & Devices in Middle School
Given the research, our own experiences, and our emphasis on learning and community, all middle schoolers (Grades 6-8) place their phone and / or smartwatch in a locked cabinet for the duration of the school day.
Further reading:
Get Phones Out of Schools Now by Jonathan Haidt (NYU Stern)
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6th Grade Core
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8th Grade History
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Homecoming
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Our Vision
We believe the world is diverse and dynamic. Through experiences that foster creativity, self-discovery, and wonder, our Middle School students cultivate the skills and habits of mind they need to become critical thinkers and passionate learners.Burke students learn to collaborate with others and excel as individuals, ready to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges of the future. We empower global citizens to change the world.
News & Events
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Belated Halloween 2023 Report
Spooky Town HallRead More
This year's Halloween Assembly served a dual purpose. First, costumed SGA leaders, along with school administrators, hosted a panel-style discussion, responding to questions from student-constituents.
Haunted ShowdownNext up, the Annual Costume Contest, judged by a most esteemed faculty and staff panel, showcased the creativity, humor, and whimsy of students and adults alike. Each grade had two entries (group or individual), and delightful garments included Jafar (6th grade), Jake from State Farm (9th grade), the Despicable Me family (11th grade), and a fluffy blue shark (12th grade). Ultimate winners were:- 1st place - Owen F. '24 as "Barbenheimer"
- 2nd place, tie - Beatrix F. '27 as a Clown and Elijah S. '24 as Costco
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Día de los Muertos
Read MoreDuring their October unit on the Day of the Dead in Mexico, Mónica's Spanish 7/8 class learned about the "Calaveritas Literarias" or "literary skeletons," a type of poem shared among friends and family leading up to the Day of the Dead. Mónica writes, "it's both a loving and a humorous poetry style that has to rhyme on every even verse." Students had a blast writing the poems, often dedicated to their classmates or family. Corin M. '29 wrote for "mi perrita loquita - y crees un gato."On November 8, 7th grade traveled to the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington on 16th Street to visit this year's Day of the Dead ofrenda and take a tour of the building's murals, which include a three-story mural by Roberto Cueva del Río. -
Class & Club Spotlight - Part 2 - Middle School
Pictured: students in Principles of Art craft ambitious land art at Peirce MillRead More -
Bengal Beat: Fall Post-Season - Middle School
Read MoreGirls Soccer (MS)The Bengals wrapped up the regular season with a 7-1 record, winning the final season game against Spencerville 9-0, with the final goal scored by Zari R. T. '30. From there, the team fought all the way to the PVAC Conference Championships ... where they brought home the banner! Congratulations to this stellar squad and coaches, and to Lihi C. '28, Yanet G. '28, Grace G. '28, Leona K. '28, Izzy M. '28, Marli N. '28, Amy T. '28, Arsema T. '28, Natalie W. '28, and Jayla Z. '28 on an awesome finish to their middle school soccer tenure. We are excited to see you on the field in high school. -
Boundless Bonding
On September 21-22, grades 6-11 scattered across (and beyond) the DC region to explore and connect with their classmates.Read More -
Moving Up - Class of 2027
As is the 8th grade tradition at Burke, our 33 members of the Class of 2027 gathered in the theatre on Wednesday, June 7, to celebrate the conclusion of Middle School and cheer the start of High School.Read More -
Science & History Come to Life
Sean F. reports, "6th graders took their capstone trip to Virginia to visit historical and scientific sites and wonders from May 16-18." First stop was the Science Museum of Virginia, where they experienced "Speed," saw live chemistry demonstrations, and learned about about how engineering builds the world around us.Read More -
From History to Today
For the first time since 2019, the 8th grade traveled to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma, Alabama, for a four-day immersion in the Civil Rights Movement in the American South. On the first day, students and teachers visited the 16th St. Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Bethel Baptist Church, before meeting with Civil Rights speakers Dr. Martha Bouyer and Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, who survived the 1963 bombing.Read More -
Around the Bay & Above the Ground
On Friday, April 21, each Middle School grade engaged in trips and excursions tied into a component of the curriculum – ranging from ecology to 3-D art to the Civil Right Movement.Read More -
Cooking & Conjugating
Mónica's Spanish 7/8 class marked the conclusion of a unit on foods and irregular verbs by making tamales!Read More -
6th Grade Rock Stars
Read MoreEarlier this month, 6th grade scientists began their geology unit with a rock-seeking excursion in the shallow waters of Rock Creek, west of Connecticut Avenue. After discussing the formation of the landscape, students found a comfy spot for a read-aloud of Byrd Baylor’s Everybody Needs a Rock. -
In The Aisles of IKEA
Read MoreFor the first time since 2019, the 7th graders took to the aisles of IKEA (with a stop at the restaurant for meatballs) for their Tiny House projects. -
Technology in Middle School
We are proud of our one-to-one iPad program, which improves the effectiveness of teaching and enhances learning. Teachers use apps like Notability, DoInk Animation, and Socrative, which help teach note-taking, organization, research skills, and how to create multimedia demonstrations of their learning.Read More -
“Moving Up” 2022
Read MoreAs is the 8th grade tradition, our 31 members of the Class of 2026 gathered in the Theatre on Tuesday, June 7, to celebrate the conclusion of Middle School and mark the start of High School – through a ceremony that they had conceptualized and planned together throughout the spring, with guidance and support from Amy C. and Susan H.Brooklyn M. '26, Hilliard N. '26, Jay B. '26, Lina B. '26, Taylor S. '26 and Zuri K. '26 shared the hosting duties – and brought all the requisite flair and quips.
Student speakers were Brooklyn, Jay, Mel A. '26, Rahaf A. '26, and Taylor, and the Middle School band performed three songs (pictured below), concluding with "Lean on Me."Onwards to High School, Class of 2026. -
Year-End: Middle School Community Days
What do the final weeks and days of the school year at Burke look like? Here's a glimpse.Read More -
"High School Musical:" Middle School Edition
On the first weekend in June, our Middle School brought Disney's High School Musical Jr. to the Greenberg Theatre at American University.Read More -
Hearts & Minds & Hands
A tactile, multi-sensory approach to science and health education extends across grade levels.Read More -
Sean's The Business of Hope
The Business of HopeRead More
by Sean Felix (MS Dean of Community / 6th Grade Core)
Presented in the final Faculty & Staff meeting before winter break. -
We Can Work It Out
At Burke, 6th-8th graders have a 75-minute PE class every other day. With a gym renovation in progress, the PE department has taken a varied approach this fall – from maximizing outdoor time to partnering with Golds Gym on Connecticut Avenue to getting creative on a chilly day.Read More -
Back on the Road
Thanks to Burke's proximity to the Metro, trips to DC's numerous museums, historical sites, and natural resources are woven into the curriculum.Read More
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914